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- Description:
- This 3-page letter was handwritten in black ink on slightly yellowed paper by Charles L. Freer. The sender's address, "33 Ferry Avenue," is printed at the top in black text. The paper also has a watermark that shows "Scribner's Linen." The handwritten text is transcribed as follows: "December 31st, 1900 Congratulations to the citizens of Detroit on the Centennial Anniversary of this day! In looking forward to that day I see Detroit ablaze with the radiance of more perfect and higher life; brilliant with the light of shining ideas and noble actions - gracious in simpler and truer relations between men - useful in broader and countless ways. The "Possibilities of Detroit as a Manufacturing Center" are immeasurable! Her excellent climate, her blue skies, her clear running waters will not change! Her educational, mechanical and business methods will change - for the better! And in her onward march will follow a long train of scientific and mechanical practices, having chiefly in aim, the economic utilization of natures forces and materials, and improvement of the means of transportation by rail by water, underground and in the air. In the invention, development, adoption and possible manufacture (in part) of each of these powerful agents Detroit will occupy high rank. Her geographical position will enable her to compete most successfully in the markets of the whole world, not only in the varied lines of present manufacturing but also in many others, as yet, unknown. The growth and expansion of Detroit's beautiful streets and parks, more general use of her charming river and lakes, keener appreciation of her exceptional educational and religious advantages will attract to her gates exceptional artisans and laborers - Nothing will bar them out! The intelligence, loyalty and skill of her workmen, which today, is unsurpassed, will continue and broaden superiority of workmanship and quality of materials used will long distinguish articles of Detroit manufacture. Men of vigor and resources, honest and fearless, will direct her splendid manufacturing establishments, and their wisdom in respecting both manual and mental labor, and in sharing fairly with each, will open the perfect way to the great advantages of fittest employment for each worker - factory conditions possibly only in cultivated and beautiful communities. Surrounded as Detroit is with vast quantities of natural wealth, blessed with armies of energetic and courageous workers, governed by a free people, here, surely, the battle of progress will be constant and the possession of health, wealth and happiness will be the probable reward of all those fortunate ones who may cast their lot with the manufacturing industries of our fair city during the coming century. Charles L. Freer"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Description:
- This folded sheet of writing paper was from the personal stationery of Charles L. Freer. It is slightly yellowed and the sender's address, "33 Ferry Avenue," is printed at the top in black text. The paper also has a watermark that shows "Scribner's Vellum." The handwritten text is transcribed as follows: "Hon. W. C. Maybury, Mayor etc., My Dear Sir: In compliance with your courteous request, I have taken pleasure in writing a few lines on the "Possibilities of Detroit as a Manufacturing Center," and beg to hand you the same herewith enclosed. Your plans to entertain our friends of a century hence is excellent and I only regret that my little paper is not more worthy of the occasion. With every good wish and heartiest New Year greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Charles L. Freer."
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
